Faial, Santana (Madeira)

Village in Santana (Madeira)

Faial Madeira
Faial Madeira
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt

Faial is a small, deeply green parish on Madeira's north coast, tucked between Santana's famous thatched-house country and the rugged shoreline that makes this side of the island feel so wild. The village's name is tied to beech trees (faia) that once flourished here, and the landscape still feels like it belongs to that story: fertile terraces, thick vegetation, and a countryside rhythm that's noticeably calmer than the island's busier resort areas.

If you enjoy places that feel lived-in rather than staged, Faial is one of the best places to visit in Madeira for a rural detour that still packs in real highlights. It also works well after a walking tour of Santana, when you want to swap souvenir streets for viewpoints, chapels carved into rock, and quick access to levadas and north-coast scenery.

History and Significance of the Faial, Madeira

Faial was established in the mid-16th century and, like many Madeiran communities, grew around agriculture supported by rich volcanic soils. That farming foundation still shapes the village today, from the terraced plots and smallholdings you'll pass on local roads to the steady, practical feel of daily life in the parish.

The wider area also carries the sense of Madeira as a working island with layers of heritage. Local religious sites and community traditions remain central, and the village's built environment reflects long continuity rather than one defining monument. Even without a single “headline” attraction in the centre, Faial feels historically grounded because you can read its past in the landscape: cultivated slopes, old routes, and the way the settlement sits between mountains and sea.

Nature is a large part of Faial’s modern identity too. With nearby protected areas within Madeira’s Natural Park and multiple walking routes starting or passing close by, the village has become a useful base for travellers who want scenery and hikes without the crowds.

Things to See and Do in the Faial, Madeira

Start with the viewpoints, because the north coast delivers its best first impression through dramatic drops to the Atlantic. Miradouro do Guindaste is the showstopper: glass platforms over the cliffs and a sweeping coastline view that makes you pause even if you normally “don’t do viewpoints.” It’s one of those quick stops that can become a core memory, especially if you catch early light or sea mist rolling through.

For a more heritage-focused stop, seek out the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, a small chapel hewn into reddish volcanic rock. It’s the kind of place that feels quietly extraordinary-simple in scale, but unforgettable because of how it merges faith, geology, and local history into one unusual site.

Faial also has small, satisfying extras that round out a day. The Fortim do Faial is best approached as a viewpoint with historic remnants rather than a full fortress visit, while the Foz da Ribeira do Faial bathing area is a good warm-weather option for a swim in a protected complex with the north-coast scenery as your backdrop. If you're hiking-minded, Faial sits conveniently for levada walks and also connects naturally to nearby routes such as the Penha d'Águia area, which adds a more challenging summit-style walk to the mix.

How to Get to the Faial, Madeira

Madeira's main airport is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC), and it's the most practical arrival point for reaching Faial via Santana or Machico. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Santana (Madeira) on Booking.com.

Madeira has no intercity passenger train network, so travel is by road once you land.

By bus, you can travel from Funchal toward Santana and connect onward to Faial depending on the day and timetable, then rely on short walks or taxis for specific viewpoints and trailheads. Services can be limited on the north coast, so it's smart to plan around fixed departure times rather than assuming frequent connections.

By car, the easiest approach is to drive via Santana and follow the signed roads toward Faial, giving you the flexibility to combine viewpoints, short walks, and coastal stops in one day. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Faial, Madeira

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website: https://freguesia-faial.pt/
  • Best time to visit: Clear mornings are ideal for viewpoints and photos; if cloud sits low on the north coast, wait it out because conditions can improve quickly.
  • How long to spend: Plan half a day for viewpoints and heritage stops, or a full day if you're adding a levada walk or combining Faial with Santana and Porto da Cruz.
  • Accessibility: The village itself is easy to explore by road, but viewpoints and short walks can involve steps, uneven ground, and exposed edges, so take it slowly if mobility is a concern.
  • Facilities: Treat Faial as a scenic base rather than a service hub, and plan meals and longer breaks around Santana or Porto da Cruz where you'll have more choice.

Where to Stay Close to the Faial, Madeira

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Funchal for the broadest choice of dining and attractions; for a trip focused on north-coast scenery, levadas, and early starts, staying around Santana or Machico is the most efficient option.

If you want a convenient base near Santana for exploring Faial and the north-east, Hotel O Colmo keeps you close to the area’s key stops without overcomplicating logistics. For a quieter, countryside-leaning stay that suits a nature-focused itinerary, Quinta do Furão is a strong choice with a more scenic, retreat-like feel. If you prefer easier access to the airport side while still being well placed for day trips to Faial, Dom Pedro Madeira is a practical option.

Is the Faial, Madeira Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want to see a more rural, north-coast side of the island that balances scenery with everyday Madeiran life. Faial is not about one single “must-see” monument; it's about combining small, meaningful places-viewpoints, chapels, swimming areas, and walking routes-into a day that feels varied and distinctly local.

It's particularly worth it if you're already exploring Santana or the north-east. Faial sits naturally on that circuit, and it rewards even a short visit with big Atlantic views and a calmer pace than many of Madeira's better-known stops.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (655)

Fortress of Faial sits on Madeira's north coast in the parish of Faial and offers a small, quiet coastal viewpoint with sweeping ocean and village views; visitors note the site is modest—largely ruins with a few cannons and simple stone defenses—but has been enhanced with a wooden balcony and viewpoint to safely enjoy the scenery, and a nearby chapel, Nossa Senhora da Natividade, adds local interest.

A F
5 months ago
"The Fortress of Faial, located on the north coast of Madeira Island in the parish of Faial (municipality of Santana), is a small yet historicallysignificant coastal fortification dating back to the 18th century. Originally built to defend the area against pirate raids and maritime threats, it served as a lookout point thanks to its strategic position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Constructed from local stone in a simple and functional design, it included artillery positions and basic defense structures that helped protect the local population. Although only modest remains of the original fort exist today, the site retains its charm and historical value. In 2025, the local municipality carried out a renovation and enhancement project, which included the construction of a modern wooden balcony and viewpoint, allowing visitors to safely enjoy the stu ing coastal views. This development was done with respect to the surrounding landscape and historical context, preserving the character of the site while making it more accessible. Nearby, the small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Natividade adds cultural depth to the location. Today, the Fortress of Faial offers a peaceful and scenic stop for travelers exploring the northern side of Madeira, blending history, nature, and panoramic beauty in one quiet but meaningful location...."
Natalia Miecznik
5 months ago
"Lovely views from the top, very quiet no tourists around in site , gives you every angle of the small village. Definitely a stop worth adding when inthe area !!!..."
Antonia Harmer
2 weeks ago
"Very small, but great view. Very bad weather today but a great drive through the mountains."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Faial works well for families because the day can be built from short, flexible stops rather than one long commitment. Viewpoints and the bathing complex can give you “big reward” moments without a full hike, which is helpful if energy levels vary.

If you're travelling with younger kids, keep the plan simple and safety-first at exposed cliff viewpoints. A good family rhythm is viewpoint first, a short walk second, then a longer break in Santana or Porto da Cruz.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Faial is at its best as a slow north-coast day: scenic drives, a dramatic viewpoint, and one or two quiet heritage stops that feel like discoveries. The north coast often has moodier light and stronger sea energy than the south, which makes the whole day feel more atmospheric.

Pair it with a long lunch nearby and a sunset viewpoint stop if skies are clear. It’s an easy way to add romance through scenery rather than planning anything complicated.

Budget Travelers

Faial is naturally budget-friendly because many of its best experiences are free: viewpoints, village wandering, and nature stops. If you're watching costs, bring snacks and water, and use the day as a low-spend highlight between paid attractions elsewhere on the island.

The main budget decision is transport. If you can share a car or plan buses carefully, you can cover multiple Faial-area stops in one day without paying for tours.

History Buffs

Faial’s history is best approached through local heritage sites rather than museums, especially the rock-carved chapel and the parish’s long agricultural story. If you enjoy small places with layered backstories, these stops can feel more rewarding than larger, more crowded landmarks.

To deepen the history angle, combine Faial with Santana's cultural stops and a few north-coast fort and chapel visits. The connections between settlement, defence, and coastal life become clearer when you see the region as a whole.

FAQs for Visiting the Faial, Madeira

Getting There

Faial is on Madeira’s north coast in the municipality of Santana, not far from Santana’s traditional houses area and the road routes toward the north-east coastline.
Driving is the simplest option, with short travel times and easy access to viewpoints and nearby stops. If you’re using buses, plan around timetables and expect to walk or use a taxi for specific viewpoints.
Yes, most key stops around Faial have roadside parking or small parking areas nearby. In peak periods, arrive earlier for the easiest parking at the most popular viewpoints.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, the village itself is free and always open, and most outdoor viewpoints and nature stops do not require tickets. Costs typically come from transport and any optional paid facilities you choose to use.
No advance booking is usually needed for exploring Faial and nearby viewpoints. The only planning that really matters is weather and how you’ll get between stops.

Visiting Experience

Two to three hours is enough for a viewpoint or two plus a quick heritage stop. A half-day feels more relaxed if you want to add a swim or short walk.
It’s worth it if your one day is focused on the north-east and you want scenery beyond Funchal. If you’re staying mostly in the south, you may prefer a closer viewpoint circuit to minimise driving.
It can be, but viewpoints are less rewarding if cloud sits low on the coast. On cloudy days, focus more on heritage stops and short walks, and treat viewpoints as “bonus” if they clear.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, they pair very naturally, with short driving distances and complementary experiences. It’s one of the simplest north-east combinations on the island.
Drive to a main viewpoint first, then add one heritage stop such as the rock-carved chapel, and finish with a short coastal pause. It’s enough to feel the area without overplanning.

Photography

Yes, especially for cliff-and-ocean viewpoints and wide north-coast landscapes. The best photos often come when clouds lift briefly and the coastline suddenly opens up.
Morning light can be especially clear on good-weather days, while late afternoon can add drama and contrast. If conditions shift quickly, be ready to take photos when the view appears rather than waiting for a perfect moment.

Accessibility & Facilities

Exploring by car is straightforward, but some viewpoints and short paths can be uneven or exposed. Choosing the easiest, most direct stops makes the visit much more comfortable.
Yes, but choice is generally better in Santana and nearby villages than in small rural pockets. Plan your main meal around a larger hub, then treat Faial as the scenic portion of the day.

Nearby Attractions to the Faial, Madeira

  • Santana Traditional Houses: Madeira's iconic thatched houses area, a classic cultural stop that pairs easily with a Faial day.
  • Queimadas Forest Park: A lush starting point for laurel-forest walks and levadas in the Santana area.
  • Miradouro do Guindaste: A dramatic cliff viewpoint with glass platforms and sweeping north-coast ocean views.
  • Porto da Cruz: A coastal village with sea views, cafés, and easy access to the Penha d'Águia area.
  • Penha d'Águia: The steep “Eagle Rock” hike and landmark formation between Faial and Porto da Cruz.

The Faial appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Santana (Madeira)!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free.

Address: Faial, Portugal
Santana (Madeira): 3 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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